Hawaii videos encourage wildlife viewing from afar

April 19, 2013

HONOLULU (AP) - The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has created three public service announcement videos to encourage people to keep their distance while viewing dolphins, seals, whales and other marine life.

One video asks people how they would feel if they were a Hawaiian monk seal resting on the beach while noisy people get close for photos. Another asks if you wouldn't like someone jumping on your back, why would a green sea turtle.

The department said Wednesday that grant money from the Hawaii Tourism Authority paid for the 30-second videos.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary state co-manager Elia Herman said the department is hoping hotels and car-rental companies will play the videos at their businesses.